Province bucks up aid for street kids

Homeless and exploited young people may soon have more resources in the fight to get off the street and begin safer lives.

B.C.'s Ministry of Children and Families minister Lois Boone announced a province-wide initiative last week to provide more support for street youth who are looking for help leaving the sex trade and life on the street.

The ministry will allocate $1.25 million for 25 new outreach and support workers, and $1 million for safe housing for youth leaving the sex trade.

In smaller communities outside Vancouver, the ministry will also provide $700,000 for a program to help subsidize rents.

A recent report on service gaps to street youth estimates that Vancouver agencies deal with about 300 to 500 street-involved youth.